DA will pursue legal route if parliament does not dissolve SABC board

The DA has warned that it will pursue legal options if parliament does not dissolve the board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

DA federal executive chairman James Selfe said in Johannesburg yesterday the DA supported the dissolution of the SABC board following reports that ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu would effectively ask parliament to challenge the reappointment of disgraced former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

But he said he would not be surprised if this was “another case of ANC political grandstanding in order to save face for the embarrassment that has become the SABC”.

Selfe said the DA had repeatedly called for a parliamentary inquiry to be conducted into the SABC.

This included the board’s fitness to hold office.

“It is a pity that the ANC allowed the crisis at the SABC to continue to escalate . . . nevertheless‚ we are pleased that they have woken up,” he said.

“It has become patently clear that the board of the SABC only serves to further the interests of the ANC‚ Communications Minister Faith Muthambi and Hlaudi Motsoeneng‚ and is not dedicated – as required by the Broadcasting Act – to fairness‚ freedom of expression‚ the right of the public to be informed‚ and openness and accountability.

“The DA is committed to restoring the integrity and independence of the SABC.”